A few days ago I mentioned that the BeejiveIM Beta would be getting updated to support OS 5.0. Jim over at Beejive posted in their forums that beta version 1.9.7 is now available with some new features from the current production version:

• support for 5.0 OS
• file transfers via link, you can now transfer files to buddies on all IM accounts.
• email push when app running in background (see preferences in app).
• send voice notes
• send GPS location (if supported by phone)
• new chat styles & background images
• new buddy list layouts
• improved battery life
• overall UI redesign
• facebook IM
• various other bug fixes & enhancements

This beta version is only for BlackBerry devices running OS 4.2.1 and higher. As always, since this is a beta and not guaranteed to be stable, install at your own risk and make sure you backup your data first.

• Over the air (direct download to BB via web browser):
  • http://www.beejive.com/otabeta5.0storm (5.0 OS Storm & Storm 2 ONLY)
  • http://www.beejive.com/otabeta4.7storm (4.7 OS Storm ONLY)
  • http://www.beejive.com/otabeta5.(5.0 OS Tour, 9700 Bold)
  • http://www.beejive.com/otabeta4.6_vga (4.6 OS and higher, VGA screen: 9000 Bold, Tour, 8900 Curve)
  • http://www.beejive.com/otabeta4.6 (4.6 OS and higher, NON-VGA screen: 8220 Pearl Flip, 8350 Curve)
  • http://www.beejive.com/otabeta4.3 (4.3 OS and higher)
  • http://www.beejive.com/otabeta4.2.1 (4.2.1 OS and higher)
• Desktop Install:
  • http://www.beejive.com/beta5.0storm (5.0 OS Storm & Storm 2 ONLY)
  • http://www.beejive.com/beta4.7storm (4.7 OS Storm ONLY)
  • http://www.beejive.com/beta5.0 (5.0 OS Tour, 9700 Bold)
  • http://www.beejive.com/beta4.6_vga (4.6 OS and higher, VGA screen: 9000 Bold, Tour, 8900 Curve)
  • http://www.beejive.com/beta4.6 (4.6 OS and higher, NON-VGA screen: 8220 Pearl Flip, 8350 Curve)
  • http://www.beejive.com/beta4.3 (4.3 OS and higher)
  • http://www.beejive.com/beta4.2.1(4.2.1 OS and higher)
• How To:
  • Install applications and themes via OTA with or without using data
  • Install Applications and Themes via Desktop Manager

Thanks @sgtd!

Joe from BBSites sent me a tweet letting me know that all BlackBerry instant messaging clients have been updated to v2.5.30.

The BlackBerry IM clients include AIM, Yahoo! Messenger, MSN Messenger, Google Talk and ICQ. No info is available about what /changed in this new version so if you notice anything different be sure to leave it in the comments. You can find and download all of the BlackBerry IM clients from mobile.blackberry.com.

Before I get to the guide I just want to clarify that yes, I do realize the latest beta for BeejiveIM is v1.9.6 and v1.1.2 is an old beta. This guide is for those  BlackBerry users who prefer using BeejiveIM, don’t want to downgrade from OS 5.0 and don’t mind using an older beta version of BeejiveIM. Consider that you are already using leaked software (OS 5.0) so if you can’t IM with any apps other than BeejiveIM then this guide is for you.

@BRSDiddy sent me a some screenshots and details for how to get BeejiveIM Beta v1.1.2 to work with all OS 5.0 versions. He tried this method with the newer BeejiveIM betas, but it only worked with v1.1.2. If you’ve tried to open BeejiveIM with OS 5.0 you probably got a java language error and weren’t able to run it. This guide will help you get BeejiveIM beta to work on your BlackBerry running OS 5.0.

Since this guide is based on a beta BlackBerry application and leaked OS versions do this at your own risk and only if you’re comfortable with software that isn’t guaranteed to work. This is a temporary solution until RIM officially releases OS 5.0, followed by a compatible version of BeejiveIM from the guys over at Beejive.com.

CONTINUE READING »

Many people have sent me messages and tweets about not being able to see their contacts’ avatar in the new BlackBerry Messenger 5.0. I would usually recommend the standard battery pull, having that contact re-load their photo, re-download BBM 5.0 or re-add the contact. In some cases these methods would work but in others they would not, and at the time I would usually recommend re-adding via PIN.

RIM has published a knowledge base article with a workaround to this issue since there is no resolution (right now).

This is a previously reported issue that has been escalated internally to our development team. No resolution time frame is currently available.

Here’s the workaround provided by RIM:

1. On the Home screen or in the Instant Messaging folder, click the BlackBerry Messenger icon.
2. Highlight the affected user.
3. On the contact list screen, press the Menu key.
4. Select Delete Contact.
5. To add the contact again, invite them by using scan a barcode or by email.

Once you re-invite the contact they will need to re-accept. Once the contact accepts you should both be able to see each others’ avatars. Keep in mind that both parties must be running BBM 5.0. You can download it OTA from blackberry.com/messenger.

If you’ve had issues where you can’t see your contacts’ avatars be sure to try this workaround and let me know how it works for you in the comments!

Earlier this morning (practically yesterday) I mentioned the BlackBerry IM clients got updated to possibly work with OS 5.0, but at the time there was no official changelog or new feature list. Today RIM has officially announced the update with some details.

Here’s the product overview:

BlackBerry® Internet Service Instant Messaging applications are designed to provide BlackBerry smartphone users with access to existing instant messaging communities. The applications provide customers with the interface of their favourite instant messaging applications and the features of the BlackBerry smartphone. BlackBerry Internet Service Instant Messaging applications provide functionality for picture messaging, display pictures, and real-time conversations.

BlackBerry Internet Service Instant Messaging for BlackBerry smartphones version 2.5 is the latest application update. It encompasses some of the more popular instant messaging applications, such as Windows Live™ Messenger for BlackBerry® smartphones, Yahoo!® Messenger for BlackBerry® smartphones, ICQ® for BlackBerry® smartphones, Google Talk™ for BlackBerry® smartphones, and AOL® Instant Messenger™ service (AIM® service) for BlackBerry® smartphones.

Features:

• Add dedicated icons to the Home Screen for one-click access to conversation boxes of specific contacts. The icon appears as the contact’s display picture or avatar.
• Add contacts and display pictures or avatars to the address book to easily instant message, email, SMS, or call right from the address book or conversation box.
• Search through saved conversations
• Add dedicated emoticon icons in the conversation box

The specific version still seems to be 2.5.27. To grab these updates go to mobile.blackberry.com from your BlackBerry Browser, or click here to go directly to the IM client downloads.

Let me know how you like this update in the comments!

Those of you that are running the leaked versions of OS 5.0 know that instant messaging applications aren’t working properly yet (or at all). My buddy @0mie was able to get his hands on leaked versions of BlackBerry instant messaging applications that should work with devices running OS 5.0.

A note from 0mie:

Sidenote: I was asked to make these OTA files, thus the vendor being 0mieTech; if you don’t like that…Plain and simple, don’t dL.

Also keep in mind that since these are leaked versions, you should make a backup and install these apps at your own risk and only if you are comfortable with using beta software.

• Download OTA:
  • AIM 5.0
  • Yahoo 5.0
  • GTalk 5.0
  • MSN 5.0
• How To:
  • Backup And Restore Your BlackBerry
  • Install applications and themes via OTA with or without using data

If not being able to use instant messaging apps was holding you back from trying OS 5.0 and now you want to, check out the BlackBerry OS page to see if OS 5.0 is available for your device.

via 0mieTech

It’s been a while since the BeejiveIM beta application for BlackBerry has been updated but Jim let me know that they have just released a new version!

New in BeejiveIM v1.9.6:

• file transfers via link, you can now transfer files to buddies on all IM accounts.
• push when app running in background (see preferences in app).
• send voice notes
• send GPS location (if supported by phone)
• new chat styles & background images
• new buddy list layouts
• improved battery life
• overall UI redesign
• various other bug fixes & enhancements

As always with beta applications install at your own risk and make sure you have a recent backup available! Before installing this version you must uninstall your current version and do a battery pull. This beta is not for the Storm or any BlackBerry running an OS below 4.2.1. A new beta version for the Storm will be available soon.

• Over the air (direct download to BB)
  
  • http://www.beejive.com/otabeta4.6_vga (4.6 OS and higher, VGA screen: Bold, Tour, 8900 Curve)
    
  • http://www.beejive.com/otabeta4.6 (4.6 OS and higher, NON-VGA screen: 8220 Pearl Flip, 8350 Curve)
    
  • http://www.beejive.com/otabeta4.3 (4.3 OS and higher)
    
  • http://www.beejive.com/otabeta4.2.1 (4.2.1 OS and higher)
• Desktop Install
  
  • http://www.beejive.com/beta4.6_vga (4.6 OS and higher, VGA screen: Bold, Tour, 8900 Curve)
    
  • http://www.beejive.com/beta4.6 (4.6 OS and higher, NON-VGA screen: 8220 Pearl Flip, 8350 Curve)
    
  • http://www.beejive.com/beta4.3 (4.3 OS and higher)
    
  • http://www.beejive.com/beta4.2.1 (4.2.1 OS and higher)

For more info and to submit feedback be sure to visit the BeejiveIM beta forums. Feel free to also leave some feedback in the comments.

Bellshare GmbH has updated their BerryBuzz BlackBerry app to version 2.1.22 with support for popular instant messaging applications, along with a few other additions. For those that don’t know, BerryBuzz is an app that extends your default Blackberry alert system allowing you to customize the LED color and create repeating audible reminders for different alert types.

New in v2.1.22:

• Added support for ICQ
• Added support for AOL Instant Messenger
• Added support for Windows Live Messenger
• Added support for Google Talk
• Added support for Yahoo! Messenger
• Added support for Level 1 messages
• Added charging indicator LED
• Added LED indicator when battery fully charged (automatically turns off after customizable interval)
• Added battery low indicator with customizable threshold
• Added alert when battery full

BerryBuzz is compatible with any BlackBerry running OS 4.2 and higher. You can get it in the store for $5.95 or give it a test run with the free trial.

Thanks @frogsburg!

The BeejiveIM Beta for the BlackBerry Storm has been updated to version 1.9.5. Version 1.9.4 was mostly a bug fix release with no new features added and version 1.9.5 comes with the following additions:

• file transfers via link, you can now transfer files to buddies on all IM accounts.
• updated push when idle settings, you can now choose an email to use for push notifications.
• clock fixed
• option to use color blind status icons
• various other bug fixes & enhancements

This is not a production release and may have bugs and defects. Install at your own risk! You must fully uninstall and restart your Storm before installing the new Beta. If you’re not sure how to uninstall the previous version click here.

You can download the latest BeejiveIM Beta for your Storm OTA at beejive.com/stormbeta. Be sure to report any issues and bugs to Beejive in their support forums. For help on how to install applications via OTA click here.

The BeejiveIM Beta for the BlackBerry Storm has been updated to version 1.9.3 with the following fixes and additions:

• Push solution to help save battery life (see below for setup instructions)
• Voice notes (only AMR files are supported at this time, we are looking into conversion to mp3/wav format)
• Ability to send your current GPS location
• Update file transfer UI
• Updated floating chat input UI
• Chat logs added back in
• Group chats added back in
• Chat background wallpapers
• Various bug fixes

The new Beta also brings “Battery Save Mode,” which requires a BIS email account to work. To use Battery Save Mode make sure that the “Battery Save Mode When Idle” option is checked in the preferences screen.

This is not a production release and may have bugs and defects. Install at your own risk! You must fully uninstall and restart your Storm before installing the new Beta. If you’re not sure how to uninstall the previous version click here.

• Download OTA: BeejiveIM Storm Beta
• Info: BeejiveIM Storm Beta v1.9.3 forum
• How To: Install applications and themes via OTA with or without using data